« waning december: nine for nine »
I have sort of a love/hate relationship with New Year's resolutions: I feel the need to make them, but I do so grudgingly, with the nagging doubt that I'm just setting myself up for failure.
Incongruously, however, I do love a good to-do list. I love how it feels to scratch through each completed task. I make them daily, and I love how productive I feel at the end of the day, even if I haven't finished every item.
And so, this year, I thought I'd come up with 9 Things I'd Like to Do in '09 -- not resolutions, you understand, but a little to-do list of things that I'd like to accomplish by the end of December 2009. You know, things to aim for. No pressure. Just things I'd like to set my sights on.
So, here they are:
1. I'd like to complete the Blurb book I started -- a coffee table book of images and words. Just to say I did. Blown off, in favour of #8, below.
2. I'd like to attend an gallery opening of my photography. Completed, February 12, 2009!
3. I'd like to save enough money for a downpayment on some land. Preferably land within view of the ocean.
4. I'd like to lose some weight. I'm not happy putting this on this list, but seriously, things have gotten out of hand. Let's go with 5 pounds for now, to be renegotiated upon completion. Several times upon completion. -- Currently in the process of working with the second 5 pounds. Sadly, on 9.9.9, I've regained. Renewing commitment.
5. I'd like to get back into working out regularly. I hate working out, but I do love how I feel when I'm done, and the truth is, I think some of my best thoughts while I'm doing it. Perhaps if I think of this as a form of meditation -- a way to help be more creative -- instead of a chore, perhaps I'll be better about being consistent.
6. I'd like to write more personal letters. I miss personal letters. Remember when people used to send personal letters? And the thing is, I love calligraphy and beautiful penmanship -- I'm actually a bit obsessed by it. So, I'm going to write more. I'll start small: I'll aim for 5 letters this year. That seems manageable, right? I'll even buy pretty stationery to make it happen. Thanks to my dear friend, Lu, I've been penpalling regularly. Certainly I've sent more than 5 letters out as of this update, 9.9.9!
7. I'd like to focus more on more photography projects. It's what I love to do, and the reason that I left my corporate job. I'd like to develop them more. I've done two lovely ones, and updated my projects page. I'm crossing this out, but this is ongoing.
8. I'd like to pick a new project to work on -- one of the creative projects I've been afraid to start. I have a list of them. I'll pick one, and let you know which one I pick. Just as soon as I get the courage. Ahem. As of May 2009, I am officially writing a book. Not only that, I have a book deal, and am scheduled to be published Fall 2010. Stay tuned!!
9. And finally, I'd like to start reading more. I'm a member of GoodReads, I should make good use of it, don't you think? I've been reading like a champ this year. Thank goodness!
There. Nine for nine. Just a nice little to-do list of stuff that might be fun to do, you know? Stuff that would give me something to scratch through for next year's list.
In the meantime, for the rest of this year, let's celebrate all we've accomplished in 2008 -- because even if we didn't finish our intended lists, I bet we did lots of other great things. For example, you probably made a new friend, or reconnected with an old one. You probably made someone feel really good at some point. You probably laughed until your sides ached. You probably even made something you're really proud of: a photograph, a good meal, a lovely gift ...
In my case, one thing I did that I'm really proud of was quit my job. It was scary, and economically-speaking, I have rotten timing, but 2 months later, I know it was absolutely the right thing to do. I'm so much happier.
What's one thing you did in 2008 that you're proud of?
Song: Think, by Aretha Franklin. Let your mind go, let yourself be free, baby.
* * * * * * *
A little end-of-year housekeeping:
- I'm working on my monthly newsletter, which will go out on January 1st. If you'd like to be included on the e-mailing list, please click the link to the left and subscribe.
- I'm about to order one more batch of the Chookooloonks 2009 calendar from the printer -- if you'd like one, please click here to order, and get 'em while they're hot!
- And finally, thanks to all of you who've supported me throughout 2008. It was a crazy year -- and your words and e-mails made it all the more fun. Thank you!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 12:00AM
Reader Comments (22)
in 2008 I started my blog and turned 50 !
for years I have made a "ta-da" list....list all of the tasks accomplished at the end of the day and exclaim....."TA DA!!"
A Ta Da List -- LOVE THAT!
Yesterday I read 'Five Wishes' by Gay Hendricks (www.5wishesbook.com) which was fabulous! He had one conversation at a party that changed his life. Someone asked him if he was on his deathbed right now, would his life been complete or a success?
If your answer is no, then you should make 5 wishes...don't think about it, just write down the first 5 things that come to mind.
e.g. 'i would have liked to attend a gallery opening of my photography'. ( i lovvveeee this one!)
then you should change it to...(this is in past tense)
e.g. 'I am the honored guest at a gallery opening with my own photography'.
So....go and re-write your post...heehee....:-0) and read the book...it's amazing!
Love love love number 2!!!! And nr 1 is easy! I think the difficult part is to choose your most favorite photos!
One thing I'm proud of this year.....oooeee!! there are so many....teehee.....but it is the way I handled myself and my emotions through becoming a mommy. Somebody phoned us on the 7th of July asking us if we will be interested in adopting a 18month old boy. On the 22nd of December the paperwork went through and we are now his parents. I'm proud of the way I handled all this. Usually I'm all emotion all over the place...I felt grounded, objective, involved, 'together'...it is the most amazing experience! Breathing out...and it just started! xx
On the frivolous...
I'm proud of celebrating ice cream o'clock most nights, snuggled into the crook of my husband's arm.
On the sublime...
I proud that I did the above without feeling the tiniest bit guilty about it (although it did no favours to my waistline.)
M
I love the idea of a to-do list. Much less pressure. I too and extremly proud that I started my blog and started taking pictures (now with a great camera). It has always been one of those things I LOVED to do but never 'had time for". I think I will make my own list for 2009, thanks for the idea!
I did at least 6 impossible things before breakfast each day. I really pushed myslef this past year. I am proud of me. I love yr list. xo
I love the idea of a "to do" list.
And a "TA DA "list!
A couple of things on your list are also on mine. (Trading magazines for books!) (Starting exercise again.)
I'm off to work on the rest of my list now!
Happy new year!
As always, you are overflowing with brilliant ideas! Thanks so much for sharing your list, as it mirrors mine in many ways. I've spent the last week mulling my "ta da" list and my "word" for 2009. I'm running out of time and better get it posted! I can't wait to watch you check your to do's off your list this year :) My great accomplishment of this year was painful, but well worth it in the end: I've purged my life of those who are unkind and mean spirited, now I'm surrounded by loving, strong and confident people who give it to me straight but without malice. Liberating, indeed.
The New Year
a new book___
you know the pages
so read carefully
for the words
become you.
I love the way you have phrased these. "I'd like to..." seems more open, kind and creative. Stating an interest or intention, without harshness and with room for adaptation or resilient change. I'm going to think on this.